Yoga and health in modern science – an introduction

Yoga is increasingly becoming the subject of scientific research. Studies prove the effectiveness of traditional practices and their value. In a new series we present interesting results, this time: the effectiveness of yoga for stress.

Yoga is a path to physical and mental health – this is traditional yoga knowledge, and the yogic model of three bodies with their five sheaths explains how it works. Modern science has also discovered the topic; There are more and more studies on yoga and meditation.

This is not only interesting, but also helps to finally convince us of the benefits of yoga and inspire us to practice it, because if we are honest, our Western-trained minds often find it difficult to think “yogically”. A good example is the most scientifically researched topic today: yoga and stress. We’ll take a closer look at it later. healthcust reader Yoga and health.

Yoga – a spiritual path

Despite this interesting development, which certainly includes the new field of yoga therapy, one must not lose sight of the fact that yoga is a spiritual path; its health effects are just a step on the way to the highest goal.

“This body is the moving temple of God. He should be kept healthy and strong. He is a ship to carry you to the other shore of fearlessness and immortality.” Swami Sivananda

One should not forget that yoga is a lifestyle and applies to all areas of life.

Which yoga?

Most studies have one thing in common: Despite the great diversity of yoga styles, asanas are usually defined as held positions with a meditative component and relaxation elements. One should not forget that yoga is a lifestyle and applies to all areas of life.

The Health Benefits of Yoga – How Yoga Helps You Stay Healthy

Of the five points with which Swami Vishnu-devananda describes yoga (asanas, pranayama, relaxation, proper nutrition, and positive thinking and meditation), the first three points are found in most yoga studies.

In contrast, the writings and yoga masters describe the specific effects of individual asanas (most famously the effect of shoulder stand on the thyroid).

If you examine an entire yoga program, you not only best reflect our everyday yoga practice, but you can also more easily demonstrate a health effect.